The relationship between dogs and cats is not impossible, as we have been led to believe since childhood. We have all heard someone say, at least once, referring to two people who do not get along, the familiar phrase: “they are like cats and dogs”. Let’s try to understand what is true in this statement and how to resolve possible problems when dogs and cats live together.
First of all, it should be said that it is not automatic that a dog will attack a cat and, conversely, that a cat is always intent on devising new ways to eliminate its adversary.
Those who live with both animals can certainly tell many anecdotes about Micio and Fido living together, from the first “practice scuffles” to sharing a bed and food. Like us, animals only need to get to know and trust each other in order to establish a unique and special relationship.
One of the most deeply rooted beliefs among pet owners is that living together peacefully and without trauma is possible only if both, or at least one, of the two animals is very young. This statement can be true and false at the same time.
On the one hand, an adult animal will already have established its habits, spaces, and precise role in the home, so changing everything may require some effort.
It is also true, however, that we often hear of female cats caring for a puppy, just as they would care for their own offspring, and vice versa. In most cases, it is simply a matter of time.
How are dogs and cats different, and how are they alike?
Dogs and cats are predators. This does not mean they will try to bite each other as soon as you leave them in the same room. These are conditions and roles established in nature, when food is scarce and both must hunt to obtain it. In any case, the old saying about the relationship between dogs and cats is based mainly on the fact that in the countryside or on the streets, stray dogs often tend to hunt cats, treating them exactly like prey.
At home, the situation can be quite different. Naturally, if your dog has been trained to chase and exterminate all the cats in the neighborhood, the responsibility may be yours or that of whoever owned it before you.
Mutual respect is one of the things that must be taught to a dog from puppyhood.
The main difference between the two species is that the dog is a social animal, whereas the cat is not. This means that a dog lives in a pack and accepts hierarchies and existing roles.
The cat, on the other hand, is an independent animal that can live in colonies of several cats sharing the same territory and food, but individually.
For example, a dog in a pack must accept its role and follow all the decisions made by the pack leader. Hunted prey must be divided among all group members, to a greater or lesser extent according to the hierarchy, but always collectively.
In nature, however, the cat is almost always solitary, so it hunts and sleeps alone. Feline colonies, unlike packs, develop when several cats gather around the same food source. For example, if we began placing a bowl of food in the garden every day, over time we would find several cats “hanging around” our area.
Some female cats may then begin giving birth in our yard, increasing the number of colony members. In any case, you will rarely see them all together in the same place, because each will still have retained its own independence. In other words, if one of the cats caught a mouse in the neighbors’ yard, it would not be required to share it with the others in any way.
The point of this important difference is that, if you have managed to establish yourself as the pack leader, the household dog will have to accept your decision to adopt a cat.
Similarly, the cat will accept the puppy’s presence as another member of the domestic colony, provided it remains free to maintain its spaces and habits.
Introducing a kitten into a family with an adult dog
Make sure that there is no direct contact between the two animals during the first few days.
Keep the kitten in a room of its own, and place both animals’ bowls on opposite sides of the closed door. This way, the resident animal can easily perceive the newcomer’s scent, associating it with a pleasant moment such as mealtime.
Then proceed with brief meetings under your supervision, during which you can offer the dog treats as a reward, again associating the other animal’s presence with something pleasant.
Make sure the newcomer always has access to an easily accessible refuge that the dog cannot reach, such as a high shelf or wardrobe. In case of quarrels, or simply to protect its privacy, the kitten may need to be on its own.
The dog will necessarily have to accept the new pack member, provided it recognizes you as its leader. Otherwise, the work will take longer and must address the root of the problem by changing the relationship between you and your dog.
Introducing a puppy into a family with an adult cat
If the cat is not accustomed to dogs or has never seen one, it could certainly “have a shock” at the sight of this exuberant, tail-wagging creature. So do not worry if, during the first few days, it hides away behind triple-locked doors in the most unlikely place in the house.
If you have managed to begin the relationship gradually, after a few days the cat will probably return on its own to reclaim its spaces and habits, ignoring the dog.
The problem essentially arises from the clumsy and spontaneous behavior of the puppy, which the cat simply cannot tolerate. For this reason, prevent the newcomer from rushing at the resident animal whenever it enters its field of vision. The puppy will only want companionship and play, but the cat may give it a good “swat” on the nose.
Teach the puppy to remain calm around the cat, using a firm “no!” whenever it attacks, and rewarding it when it is calmer.
If both animals are puppies
In this case, everything may be much easier.
The kitten will still have a strong desire to play, something dogs never lack, so they may recognize each other as playmates. Moreover, for the puppy, having someone with whom to share the times when you are away can be very reassuring.
Whatever the age and size of your animals, living together is never impossible, but always remember that we are not the ones who decide how and when the newcomer will become liked by the resident animal. Let the relationship run its course, intervening impartially only when necessary. In some cases, the two may genuinely grow to love each other, but do not be discouraged if they cannot go beyond a peaceful coexistence.